Page 258 of Well Played

Ryan: What shall I do with them?

Ryan: Are you there?

Ryan: I just remembered your phone is out of charge.

A smile danced across her face as she closed her legs tighter.

The smile disappeared the instant a new message appeared.

Tom: I can’t get into Christa’s flat. I can’t find her.

So now you can text! And that is my problem, is it?

Tom: Is Ryan with you? Or is he with her?

Seriously, try Marcus.

“Shit. I’ve got a text from Tom. Christa has locked him out, and he wants to know if Ryan is with me or her.”

“The man is a complete wazzock,” Grace sighed. “Tom, I mean not Ryan.”

Tom: I’m coming to the flat.

“Now he says he’s coming here!”

“Have you changed the locks yet?” Jake asked.

“No, I planned to move out. I can put the bolts on. I better stay home, or Tom will move in like he moved out.”

“You can’t do that forever. Do you want to come home with us?” Jake offered.

Alice couldn’t answer. Grace’s face twisted as she tried to hide her concern.

“We are nearly at your place. Let’s dump your camping stuff whilst you decide.”

As Jake drove into Alice’s street, she sent a text back to Ryan.

Alice: Thanks, bring them on Wednesday. I miss you too.

Ryan’s absence hurt, and she felt alone again as she struggled with the Tom situation. Jake jumped out and helped her carry the tent, which he dropped on the step.

Ryan: I’m not sure I can wait until Wednesday.

Alice: I know what you mean.

Ryan: I don’t ever want to say goodbye to you again.

Jake’s face darkened when he saw the texts. “Is that Tom? Do you want me to speak to him?”

“No, it’s Ryan. It’s mad, but I miss him already.”

“I think you should turn around then,” Jake smiled.

Behind her stood Ryan, clutching a cat-covered blanket and the wackiest pair of sunglasses.

“I couldn’t wait.”

“Oh, Ryan.”

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